Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also come with its fair share of aches, pains, and discomforts. For many women, unprescribed pain relievers can be a go-to solution for relief. However, a recent lawsuit has brought attention to the safety of these drugs for pregnant women and their unborn children. This article discusses which pain relievers are considered safe for pregnant women to use and what the recent lawsuit is all about.
Pain Relief During Pregnancy
When it comes to treating pain during pregnancy, it’s important to be cautious about the medications you take. Many drugs have not been extensively studied for their effects on pregnant women and their unborn children. This can make it difficult to determine what is safe to use and what is not.
In general, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid taking any unnecessary medications, including over-the-counter drugs, in the first trimester. This is because this is a critical period of development for the unborn child, and the potential risks of taking medication at this stage may outweigh the benefits.
Acetaminophen
However, as pregnancy progresses, some women may find that they need to take medication to manage pain. In these cases, it is generally considered safe to take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) during pregnancy. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is not an anti-inflammatory, it doesn’t affect the production of prostaglandins which is responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation, so it’s considered safe for a pregnant woman to use.
Ibuprofen
It is also generally considered safe to use ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) after the 30th week of pregnancy. Although, it is important to note that ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, and it could affect the production of prostaglandins, so it should be used under the advice of a healthcare professional and for a short period.
Aspirin
Preeclampsia and a few other pregnancy-related medical conditions may be treated with aspirin. According to research, pregnant women who are at risk for preterm labor because of preeclampsia can safely and effectively prevent complications by consuming a daily small dose of aspirin well after the 12th week of getting pregnant. Taking aspirin helps these patients experience a lower risk of fatal blood clots.
Aspirin reduces the formation of blood clots, so its advantages must be measured against the higher likelihood of severe bleeding (hemorrhage). This is particularly disturbing in the long run: A few days before delivery, taking aspirin can cause excessive bleeding during childbirth.
Prescription pain relievers that are more potent
Opioids, which are classified as narcotics and include stronger pain pills, are in this category. Only severe pain from accidents, operations, dental work, or severe migraine headaches while pregnant are treated with these pain meds.
These include codeine, morphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, OxyContin (oxycodone), and other prescribed analgesics. Due to their potential risks, including those of miscarriage, stillbirth, low newborn weight, stillbirth, and infant breathing issues, these medications are rarely prescribed. They are only used when the pill’s advantages outweigh its possible risks.
Recent Lawsuit
In recent years, autism class action lawsuits have been brought against some drugs pregnant use, such as Tylenol.
The suit alleges that the manufacturers mark Tylenol as safe for pregnant women to use during pregnancy, despite knowing that the drug could potentially cause harm to the unborn child.
The specific risk in question in this lawsuit is the risk of autism in babies.
In conclusion, pregnant women need to be mindful of the medications they take, as the safety of some drugs, including ibuprofen, during pregnancy may be uncertain.
Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial in determining the best course of action for managing pain during pregnancy, whether that’s taking medication or exploring other options.
The recent lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson serves as a reminder of the importance of being informed about the potential risks associated with taking medication during pregnancy and the need for manufacturers to provide accurate and timely information to healthcare providers and patients.
